Analysis of a 9-ton lifting mast
Lx Sim assisted Garier Inc., a company specialized in the design of heavy machinery equipment, such as buckets and quick attach systems for excavators and loaders, in the certification of a 9-ton lifting mast for the mining industry. The objective was to ensure the safety and durability of their mast under various lifting conditions, and to provide sealed and signed manufacturing drawings.
Challenges
The main challenges were to support the customer in identifying the most critical loading parameters to which the mast would be subjected, to identify the critical areas, and to validate the dimensions of the various welds to ensure the safety and resistance of the equipment.
Solutions
- Advanced structural analysis: Application of the Finite Element Method (FEA) to evaluate the strength of components and ensure optimal safety.
- Validation of stresses and safety factor
- Validation of weld joints
- Validation of structural buckling
- Customized Analysis: Identification of typical load cases and critical areas to monitor to ensure the safety of the lifting mast.
- Results and recommendations provided quickly
- Recommendations for improvement/optimization
- Efficient and timely implementation
- Minimizing quantity of physical prototypes
- Compliance with standards: Efficient and timely implementation
- Ensure safety factors meet the highest industry standards
Results
Utilizing Lx Sim's approach, Garier was able to validate the safety of its 9-ton lifting mast for different scenarios even before manufacturing a prototype. Additionally, the client was able to visualize the stresses in the entire structure under various loads to and identify possible optimization options. This project allowed them to validate their concept rapidly and efficiently, while complying with safety standards.